Niki Dakota

David Wax and Suz Slezak, together known as David Wax Museum, stop by Excursions to share their bizarrely brilliant “Mexo-Americana” music.

David Wax Museum can trace its inspiration back to 2001, when Wax first traveled to Mexico. There, he studied and absorbed the native folk music. Wax, who is originally from Missouri, teamed up with Slezak in 2007, and the two began performing folk music with both Mexican and American influences. Since then, David Wax Museum has gained much attention, including praise from NPR and spots at the Newport Folk Festival and South By Southwest. The band released its third album, Everything is Saved, in 2011.

In a special segment, Niki Dakota interviews the masterminds and several of the musicians behind “This is Planet Earth,” the upcoming Dayton tribute to Duran Duran, which takes place at Canal Street Tavern on March 16th.

Chuck Cleaver and Lisa Walker of the indie rock band Wussy stop by Excursion for a stripped-down performance and friendly interview with host Niki Dakota.

Wussy formed in Cincinnati in 2001 following the breakup of Cleaver’s previous group, Ass Ponys. The group released its debut album, Funeral Dress, in 2005, and followed it with a string of critically acclaimed records. Wussy’s latest album, Strawberry, was released in late 2011.

Folk trio Brother Sun brings a gospel and country tinged performance to Excursions.

Joe Jencks, Pat Wictor and Greg Greenway comprise Brother Sun, a folk trio boasting rich instrumentation and jarring three-part harmonies. Each a touring solo artist in his own right, the members of the group joined together in 2010 after a mutual festival performance. The group took off, spending much of 2011 touring heavily in support of their self-titled debut album.

Todd the Fox and Lisa Bunny put their own spin on the blues, murder ballads and bluegrass using guitars, a suitcase-drum and a washboard.  Here the duo performs their favorite covers (both classic and modern) and a few original tunes. 

Todd the Fox and Lisa Bunny will perform on Friday, December 30th at the Oregon Express in Dayton.